The state government has released the independent drought program review report which recommends changes to how droughts are prepared for and managed in Queensland.
Conducted by former Queensland Farmers' Federation chief executive officer Ruth Wade and former AgForce CEO Charles Burke, the report made 20 recommendations following close consultation with industry stakeholders.
Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said the state government had accepted 13 of the recommendations and accepted in principle a further six.
"To properly support communities and industry, we need science and more transparent indicators to contribute more to decisions about drought declarations, while maintaining a role for vital on-the-ground intelligence," Mr Furner said.
"We will develop a new process that lets us keep all the best aspects of our local drought committee process but incorporates clear and publicly available scientific benchmarks to inform decisions on drought declarations.
"We expect this improved process to be in place by 2021."
Mr Furner said the review identified issues with aspects of the current drought program.
"One recommendation is that we cease fodder and water freight subsidies and livestock freight subsidies in future droughts," he said.
"That will be a major transition for the livestock sector, however we will work closely with industry to reshape future programs and improve existing ones.
"We'll do this while consulting closely with industry through the Agriculture Ministerial Advisory Committee to implement reforms."
AgForce CEO Michael Guerin said they were cautiously optimistic about the report, but collaboration would be essential.
"Overall, the program announced today is in line with AgForce's 'business cycle' approach, which focuses on assisting producers to prepare for drought, as well as surviving it," Mr Guerin said.
"However, I believe producers will be anxious about the proposal to abolish freight subsidies for fodder and water.
"While we are reassured that they will remain in place for the duration of the current drought - including any further declarations made before June 2020 - we need to ensure effective assistance for producers with the additional costs of drought.
"We welcome the introduction of more science into drought declarations, but insist that 'local knowledge' must continue to be a feature of these assessments."
Despite AgForce being optimistic about the report, the LNP has labeled it a cruel blow for regional Queenslanders.
Opposition leader Deb Frecklington said the cuts to water and fodder freight subsidies were "a kick in the guts" to farmers "while they're on their knees".
Key review recommendations accepted by the Palaszczuk government include:
- A new system for Queensland drought declarations that will transition to a more objective, science-based framework by 2021;
- Continue land rent rebates, water licence waivers, drought communities program, Drought Relief from Electricity Charges, Rural Financial Counselling Service drought supplement, Tackling Regional Adversity through Integrated Care, and Rural Flying Doctor Drought Wellbeing Service;
- Future-focused drought preparedness and recovery programs;
- Support Queensland Drought and Climate Adaptation Program; and
- Explore support for Individual Business Risk Management Planning for farm businesses.
